Comments on: BILLY J KRAMER AND THE DAKOTAS – “Little Children”

By: Lena

Lena — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:41:30 +0000

Meanwhile, in Manchester…http://musicsoundsbetterwithtwo.blogspot.com/2011/07/that-stunning-moment-hollies-just-one.html – merci for reading as always!

By: wichita lineman

wichita lineman — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:13:51 +0000

‘Totally unsettling’?? It’s a pretty common occurrence – two teenagers trying to cop off while younger siblings keep getting in the way. The ‘seasick’ backing perfectly suits Billy’s slightly overheated amorous intentions.

I’m sure pop pickers knew exactly what was going on here, don’t think it was any more or less innocent than a 21st century teen tryst. I like the way some of the lines are left half-finished as the pesky kids interrupt the couple once again. Having said all that, Little Children’s a bit of a slog when compared to Billy’s sprightly 45s either side of it, I’ll Keep You Satisfied and the especially fresh sounding From A Window.

Writer Mort Shuman went on to translate Jacques Brel’s work into English, lyrics which included more than the odd sly fumble and flash of knicker.

A friend of mine recalls a teenage instance in which, while snogging his girlfriend when his parents were out, his little brother came in, whacked him in the groin and shouted “I’ll crack your stiffy!” This was, I should add, in Australia.

By: Matthew

Matthew — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 07:46:05 +0000

Again, I enjoy this one, much as I enjoyed Mike Sarne’s cajoling – I think it’s terrible when 21st century cynicism and knowingness can get in the way of even attempting to enjoy what was certainly a totally innocent proposition at the time.

I really like the idea that pre-teens might have wanted to buy/listen to this record, since it speaks directly to them instead of *just* horny teenagers for a change!

By: Billy Smart

Billy Smart — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:33:39 +0000

TOTP Watch: This is the first number one for which a performance on the show survives. It comes from the edition transmitted on the 26th of February 1964. Also in the studio that week were The Dave Clark 5 (this clip also survived), Cilla Black, Eden Kane, Kathy Kirby, The Bachelors and The Merseybeats. The host was Jimmy Saville.

By: Doctor Casino

Doctor Casino — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 03:03:06 +0000

It’s very clearly an upright piano, so I wonder if Tom did hear a later version. That said, I think most of his complaints apply equally to the hit version – the “seasick” band is still there, and the lyric remains totally unsettling to a present-day listener. I’m surprised this hasn’t been appropriated by Marilyn Manson or someone else whose audience appreciates milking spooky, creepy content out of pop miscellaney.

By: andypalm

andypalm — Sun, 20 May 2007 13:01:31 +0000

Tom
I was 7 when the original came out. I can still see Billy J in my mind’s eye on a black and white TV. The song was immensely popular, and, if you listen carefully, in a no-judgemental way, will see that it really is an innocent song.
The chords structure is surprisingly simple yet highly effective.
Terri, yes, it was an upright piano, quite popular at the time. Gerry and the Pacemakers had a similar line up.

By: David Watson

David Watson — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 00:19:07 +0000

I loved this song. It was different and I didn’t really see overtly the dirty old man thing. I loved the chord pattern and production. Harmony, double tracked voice (keynote of the times). What can I say I really enjoy that and still play it from time to time.

By: Terri

Terri — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 21:38:10 +0000

Tom, you obviously listened to a later recording of “Little Children” WITHOUT the Dakotas, which I have heard and HATE! Your reference to the electric piano would confirm that as in the 1960s version, the piano was, I believe played on an upright piano…not high pitched, at all…very low, deep chords that sounded awesome. Also, the rhythym guitar in the original is absolutely unique and sounds great. Wish you had heard the original before you commented…it really was a great song.